Let's create things that matter. Together.
Building a fulfilling and lasting career in Hollywood definitely isn’t easy, but when you’re starting from the bottom rung of the ladder with zero contacts and just breaking in it can seem downright IMPOSSIBLE. But no matter who you are, where you come from, or who you do or don’t know, anyone can get their foot in the door using the right strategy. As today’s guest says,
“It’s all about getting into people’s inboxes to make things happen.”
My guest, Aaron Schmidt, is currently the Post Production Assistant on Cobra Kai who managed to land his position on a hit studio television show just months after graduating from college (which by the way is extremely unusual). Glancing at his resume as an Arizona State University cum laude graduate with Dean’s List honors and several credits on high profile studio projects while still in college, you’d probably never guess that Aaron began his education being placed in special ed because he was dyslexic. But Aaron has learned there’s a lot more to being successful and forging a path in Hollywood than just “getting lucky.”
In today’s episode Aaron and I break down his experience on Cobra Kai, how he landed the gig in the first place, what his duties are as the post-production assistant (post PA), what he’s learned, and most importantly how he can improve so he lands his next gig (which by the way he already has..sorry, spoiler alert).
Aaron Schmidt is a Chicago native who attended Arizona State University where he studied Film and Media Production. He graduated cum laude with Dean’s List honors and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Aaron has worked within many film and TV realms, stretching from his work with HBO’s television show Camping to Sony Pictures’s Cobra Kai and now working in development for TBS’s new show Obliterated. Aaron also has worked with independent film producers at Indy Entertainment on the films The Au Pair and Model Citizen. There he helped online and deliver final cuts of the films.
When Aaron is not in the office helping make characters come to life, he is advocating for the Learn Disability community. Aaron has spoken at many Hyde Park Day School conferences, helping parents understand what it is like to be dyslexic. He has also been a sounding board for teachers trying to update their curriculums to better suit their dyslexic students. Aaron will continue to help students set themselves up for success.
This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Learn the most common mistakes people make when reaching out to potential mentors, colleagues, & people they want to work with… and what to fix to skyrocket your response rate.
Want to know what conversations really happen in the edit suite of major television shows like Cobra Kai? Get an honest look in this interview with the Cobra Kai creators Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg.
Unlike doctors or lawyers, the path to having a successful career is not linear. The key is knowing how to build connections & forging your own unique path.
